Glenn Smithson, 7 Cedars Casino General Manager, accepts a United Way of Clallam County award at the organization’s annual Campaign Celebration at The Cedars at Dungeness on May 9. Presenting the award are 2018 campaign chair Lori Taylor and board member/2017 campaign chair Chris Szczepczynski. Sequim Gazette photo by Michael Dashiell

United Way of Clallam County gives thanks for 2018 campaign contributions

Representatives from United Way of Clallam County on May 9 gave a collective hand to the many helping hands that helped the organization top its goal of the 2018 fundraising campaign.

In total, 18 awards were distributed to event sponsors, outstanding volunteers and partner agencies, workplace campaigns and outgoing board members for their efforts to raise $824,328 for United Way’s campaign — exceeding the $800,000 goal — at the annual Campaign Celebration at The Cedars at Dungeness last week.

“In addition to our annual campaign fundraising, our Clallam Community Foundation invested $686,000 to the community through scholarships, grants, capital projects and more,” Christy Smith, Chief Executive Officer of United Way of Clallam County, said.

United Way of Clallam County’s mission is “to strengthen our community by partnering with local nonprofits to provide funding for the meaningful, effective programs and increasing access to a good quality of life through the impact areas of health, education and financial stability.”

Peninsula Taproom — This business started a creative way to give back to the community by hosting a Bingo night fundraiser for the past two years.

Barhop Brewing — Awarded for their ongoing support of the United Way during the Campaign kickoff and for their dedication to helping the community and United Way of Clallam County.

Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe — Honored for being United Way’s newest sponsors and helped put on the first “Bowling for Books” event at Laurel Lanes in August 2018.

Bob and Janet Lovell — Longtime supporters of United Way, the Lovells helped to establish a new fundraiser called “Fuel the Way” that saw five local gas stations donating 10 cents per gallon in support of United Way.

Coyote BBQ PUB — Awarded for hosting the United Way Hot Wing Eating Contest fundraiser and for leading the way for the Jeff Pearson Memorial Wing Cook-Off on June 8 at the Gateway Transit Center in downtown Port Angeles.

Newsradio 1450 KONP — Awarded for community giving and support and for promoting the Fuel the Way gas station event during March and April, and for providing coverage for the Wing Eating Contests at Coyote BBQ the past two years.

Vern Elkhart of Laurel Lanes — Supported United Way’s Bowling for Books in honor of late wife Claudia Elkhart that raised more than $2,000 and collected 128 book donations.

Olympic Peninsula YMCA — This organization partnered with United Way to host Mix and Mingle event at Harbinger Winery. The YMCA was honored for that and for being a staple in the community, strengthening children and families.

Olympic Community Action Programs’ Marki Lockhart — Honored for being an outstanding representative for OlyCAP, going above and beyond to attend United Way events and supporting the organization by offering to collaborate and assist with programs.

Nita Lynn of First Step Family Support Center — Lynn was honored for being a leader at her nonprofit for more than 30 years, for being long-standing United Way partner and donor and for her vision of helping young children and their families.

Port Angeles School District — Honored for participating in United Way events, the district participated in the Bowling for Books fundraiser and Youth United program. The district’s employee campaign raised more than $16,000, a 23 percent increase over the prior year.

Forks Community Hospital — Awarded for making fundraising “fun” through many events, the hospital staff participated in activities such as Turkey Bowl Powderpuff football game, Forks High School 5K Fun Run, Redcoat Retreat 5K Fun Run, Thanksgiving Turkey Trot, Chili Cook-Off and more.

Mainline Protestant Ministerial — The group was honored for working together to raise more than $30,000 to support the re-opening of the Serenity House shelter.

Karen Rogers — A volunteer, Rogers helped guide United Way during our strategic plan and organized the first ever Peggy’s Tea event.

Bobby Beeman — An outgoing board member, Beeman began serving on United Way’s board in 2012 and helped with the largest workplace campaign at Olympic Medical Center (OMC); this year, employees at OMC collectively raised more than $115,000 for United Way.

Corey Delikat — An outgoing board member who has served since 2007, he was instrumental in helping United Way during transitional times including moving the office from downtown Port Angeles to the current location on Front Street.

Jennifer Ciarlo — The organization’s outgoing board president, Ciarlo led the Foundation Committee and has been instrumental in making sure the Clallam Community Foundation is well-known and well-utilized. She also spearheaded an update to United Way’s legacy brochure, and helped to organize Peggy’s Tea, the foundation’s first ever event. This year as president, she offered her own staff to help guide United Way during a strategic plan. She sponsors United Way events and has been an Olympic Club Donor for the last 10 years.

Lori Taylor — As 2018 Campaign Chair, Taylor helped open a lot of doors to introduce new contacts to United Way.

Vern Elkhart, left, accepts an award from Travis Simmons at United Way of Clallam County’s annual Campaign Celebration at The Cedars at Dungeness on May 9. Elkhart accepted the award on behalf of his wife Claudia “Mrs. K” Elkhart, a longtime Port Angeles librarian who inspired the United Way’s Bowling for Books fundraiser in August 2018. (Claudia Elkhart died in September 2017). Sequim Gazette photo by Michael Dashiell

Pepper Fisher, on-air announcer for Newsradio KONP, accepts an award from Lori Taylor of United Way of Clallam County on May 9. Sequim Gazette photo by Michael Dashiell

Len Borchers, Chief Executive Officer of Olympic Peninsula YMCA, speaks at the United Way of Clallam County Campaign Celebration at The Cedars at Dungeness on May 9. Sequim Gazette photo by Michael Dashiell